Italian Court Deals Blow to Meta: Photographer Wins €126K in Copyright Case – A Google News Alert
Turin, Italy – July 13, 2025 – In a landmark decision with far-reaching implications for content creators and social media platforms, the Turin Court has sided with Italian photojournalist Gianni MinisSelles in his long-running battle against Meta (formerly Facebook) over the unauthorized use of his photographs. The ruling, a major win for copyright protection in the digital age, orders Meta to pay MinisSelles €126,000 in compensation, plus an additional €25,000 for legal costs. This is breaking news that could reshape how social media companies handle copyright claims.
The Case: Photos of Oriana Fallaci and the Fight for Digital Rights
The dispute centers around a series of photographs taken by MinisSelles of the renowned Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci, originally used to illustrate a post related to the September 11th attacks. These images were subsequently shared, transformed into memes, and republished thousands of times on Facebook without MinisSelles’ consent, despite repeated requests for their removal. The court recognized Meta’s responsibility for the improper use of the images, establishing a crucial precedent for holding social media platforms accountable for copyright infringement committed by their users.
Beyond the Euros: Why This Ruling Matters for Photographers and Creators
While MinisSelles expressed satisfaction with the ruling, he noted the compensation awarded doesn’t fully reflect the extent of the damage. “The cause has been won, but the compensation is not adequate,” he stated. “This affects all professionals: inside an image there are technique, skill, experience.” The court calculated compensation based on 37 days of unauthorized republication in 2022, at a rate of €100 per photo per day, despite MinisSelles reporting over 1,045 links and initiating legal action as early as 2013.
This case isn’t just about money; it’s about recognizing the inherent value of photographic work. In an era where images are easily copied and shared online, protecting the rights of photographers is more critical than ever. The ruling acknowledges that a photograph isn’t simply a visual representation, but a product of skill, artistry, and professional expertise. It’s a powerful statement that content has value, and that value deserves protection.
A History of Disputes: Meta and Copyright Challenges
This isn’t the first time Meta has faced copyright challenges. Similar disputes have arisen with Mediaset, an Italian media company, highlighting a pattern of contention regarding intellectual property rights. MinisSelles believes this ruling will encourage further legal action. “First there had been such a like between Meta and Mediaset years ago. This will also have a following because there are no causes like this… We are talking about 54 photographs for thousands and thousands of shares.”
The Story Behind the Image: A Glimpse into MinisSelles’ Career
MinisSelles’ connection to Fallaci dates back to the 1970s, fostered through collaborations with her sister, Neera. He recounted how the iconic image of Fallaci, taken in Brooklyn, emerged almost serendipitously during a visit to a private bar terrace. “It was a somewhat film scene… perfect for that article.” His long and distinguished career has seen him working alongside literary giants like Umberto Eco and covering conflicts in places like the Falkland Islands and Eritrea, demonstrating a commitment to impactful visual storytelling.
SEO Tip: Protecting Your Online Content
For photographers and content creators concerned about copyright infringement, several steps can be taken. Watermarking images, registering copyrights, and utilizing reverse image search tools (like Google Images) to identify unauthorized use are all proactive measures. Understanding the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and utilizing takedown notices are also crucial for enforcing your rights. Staying informed about evolving copyright laws and seeking legal counsel when necessary are essential for navigating the complex landscape of digital intellectual property. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive protection of your creative work.
The Turin court’s decision sends a clear message: the unauthorized use of copyrighted material will not be tolerated. It’s a victory for photographers, a warning to social media giants, and a significant step forward in safeguarding the rights of content creators in the digital world. Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on this developing story and the evolving landscape of copyright law.